Eyes down for fight on bingo tax

BINGO players in Rochdale are appealing to the government to re-think its decision to increase bingo tax by seven per cent. More than 735 customers and employees of Mecca Bingo in Smith Street have written to local MP, Paul Rowen, asking for his support for efforts to overturn the government’s budget decision to raise the tax from 15 to 22 per cent.

BINGO players in Rochdale are appealing to the government to re-think its decision to increase bingo tax by seven per cent.

More than 735 customers and employees of Mecca Bingo in Smith Street have written to local MP, Paul Rowen, asking for his support for efforts to overturn the government’s budget decision to raise the tax from 15 to 22 per cent.

Manager Gary Taylor says his predominantly female customer base feels let down, especially as betting shop customers will still only have to pay the 15 per cent rate.

Mr Rowen, who earlier this year backed a parliamentary campaign to save bingo halls, has written to culture minister, Andy Burnham and Chancellor Alistair Darling opposing the rise.

Although the cost of each game of bingo will remain the same for the time being, members are concerned that the rate rise will soon have a knock-on effect on the price they play to enjoy their favourite game.

Mr Taylor said: "Our customers just can’t understand why the government is targeting women. It just doesn’t seem fair.

"To our customers, this is about so much more than just bingo. For some, this is the only opportunity they have to socialise with other people and it would be criminal if clubs are forced to close because the government is discriminating against one of the nation’s favourite pastimes."

Mr Rowen said: "The campaigners have my full support. I cannot work out why the government has to use predominantly female pensioners to raise revenue. I will work hard to reverse this additional tax on our elderly.

"I recently visited Mecca Bingo to call a line and it’s clear that bingo is much more than a chance to win a few bob.

"Many people told me how they enjoy the social aspect of bingo and in many cases it is their only chance to see friends and grab a bite to eat.

"This tax could lead to the closure of more of our bingo halls that provide the only sunshine in many people’s lives. I am not calling for bookies’ duty to be increased, but bingo duty to be pegged at 15 per cent."

On Wednesday Liberal Democrats put forward an amendment in the Commons seeking a 15 per cent rate, but this was not supported by the Labour or Conservative parties and the 22 per cent looks set to remain.

Mr Rowen, however, has pledged to continue pressing the government about the issue.